Governor Peter Shumlin announced today that he will appoint Marjorie Ryerson of Randolph to fill the seat in the Vermont House of Representatives that had been held by the late Representative Larry Townsend. Ryerson, a 40-year resident of Randolph Village and a select board member, is a poet, writer and editor, and has been a professor at two of Vermont’s state colleges.’
‘It was a difficult choice because there were three exceptional candidates,’ Shumlin said. ‘I am excited to make this appointment and I look forward to working with Marjorie in the upcoming legislative session. I know she will do a great job representing the district and working for all Vermonters.’’
The appointment of Ryerson, a Democrat, will mean that for the first time, a caucus in either body of the Vermont Legislature will be made up of more women than men. ‘
‘ "I am very pleased that Marjorie Ryerson will be joining the Vermont House of Representatives.’ Her deep roots in Randolph and her experience in municipal government will position her well to be an effective and diligent Representative for the district,’ said Speaker of the House Shap Smith.
‘Marjorie’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Vermont House of Representatives.’ For the first time in the House’s history, women will represent a majority of members in a majority party caucus.’ It is both amazing and sobering that we should celebrate such a milestone only now in 2013, but it is a reflection of the tremendous strides that women have made in the last 30 years and is something that all Vermonters can and should celebrate.’’
Ryerson has been a writer and editor at a number of Vermont publications, including Vermont Life, the Barre Montpelier Times-Argus and the Burlington Free Press. As a professor at Castleton State College, Ryerson won two awards -- best new teacher, and the statewide faculty fellow award.
Govenror's office 11.8.2013
Marjorie Ryerson appointed to House Seat, first time Democratic women will outnumber men
Submitted by tim
on